Core Strategy Preferred Options document - Amazon Web Services

Strategies, Activities and Actions – The Green Belt
The Green Belt
Protection of the Green Belt
The District is predominantly Green Belt. National policy on the Green
Belt is contained within Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 – Green Belts
(PPG2). This states that the five purposes of including land within the
Green Belt are as follows:
• To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;
• To prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another;
• To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;
• To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns;
and
• To assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of
derelict and other urban land.
PPG2 also states that development should not be permitted in the Green
Belt unless it is for any of the following purposes:
• Agriculture and Forestry (unless Permitted Development Rights
withdrawn);
• Essential facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation, for
cemeteries, and for other uses of land which preserve the
openness of the Green Belt and which do not conflict with the
purposes of including land in it;
• Limited extension, alteration or replacement of existing dwellings;
• Limited infilling in existing villages, and limited affordable housing
for local community needs under development plan policies
according with PPS3; and
• Limited infilling or redevelopment of major existing developed sites
identified in adopted local plans (see Annex C of PPG2 for further
details).
The application of Green Belt policy has helped protect the historic fabric
of the District; prevent encroachment of development into the
countryside; protect natural features, flora, fauna and their habitats; and
safeguard the countryside to provide recreational opportunities.
We recognise that diverting development and population growth away
from rural areas to existing urban areas can also assist in achieving
sustainability objectives.
We will continue to apply a restrictive suite of policies to preserve the
character of its countryside. However, a small proportion of the District’s
land that is currently allocated as Green Belt will have to have its
designation reviewed due to the requirements to develop additional
housing and employment, together with the limited opportunity to
accommodate development outside of the Green Belt, as identified in our
2007 Urban Capacity Study.
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The Vision
One of our key
objectives, in line with
the Vision, is to ‘define
and protect the inner
and outer boundaries
of the Metropolitan
Green Belt, the
undeveloped coast
and areas of
ecological interest by
directing development
towards the District’s
established
settlements’.
The Vision: By
2017…
Green tourism
initiatives have been
developed which
provide sustainable
opportunities for rural
businesses whilst
maintaining a high
quality environment.
Rural diversification
has seen a number of
bed and breakfasts
and hotels appear,
facilitating stays in the
countryside for visitors
to the area.